Everything you need to know about hydrolysed collagen

The role of natural collagen

First of all, collagen does not exist in plants. This large protein is abundant in the human body and other animals. It is present in connective tissues such as bones, muscles, skin, tendons and cartilage, as well as in internal organs such as the walls of blood vessels.

Collagen is a macromolecule with a high molecular weight, around 300,000 Da, which plays a key role in holding our tissues together, giving them their strength, firmness and elasticity.

In everyday language, we call it collagen, but it would be more accurate to refer to it as collagens. To date, scientific studies have identified 28 different types of collagen in the human body. Collagen types 1, 2 and 3 are the most commonly found in the human body.

Marine collagen

The sources of collagen that you will find in the form of food supplements will always be animal-based. There is bovine collagen, porcine collagen or collagen derived from seafood (fish, shellfish) known as marine collagen.

This marine collagen is extracted from fish bones and skin or shellfish cartilage. These sources of marine collagen are often more sustainable because they come from the recycling of by-products from fishing or aquaculture. The traceability of this type of collagen is also one of the most transparent and has the least environmental impact, provided that the fishing or aquaculture practices are certifiably sustainable.

Marine collagen has a molecular structure similar to human collagen. It is rich in the amino acids proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. Marine collagen is therefore considered the best hydrolysed collagen for its high bioavailability.

What does hydrolysed mean?

Collagen is a very large molecule, which makes it insoluble in water and difficult to absorb through the intestinal wall. This is because the intestinal mucosa only allows molecules of very low molecular weight to pass through. To cross the intestinal mucosa, the collagen protein undergoes a process of hydrolysis. Large collagen proteins are broken down into peptides, small assemblies of amino acids. These low molecular weight marine collagen peptides (2000Da) are digested, cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream in the form of oligopeptides (small peptides). When they reach the skin and various tissues, these collagen oligopeptides stimulate both the mobility and spread of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen by our fibroblasts. The result? An increase in the density of fibroblasts and collagen fibres.

When hydrolysis uses targeted enzymes, as Aroma-Zone Marine Collagen Powderdoes, it's called enzymatic hydrolysis. The choice of enzymes, temperature and hydrolysis time are decisive in terms of the characteristics of the peptides obtained and the quality of the hydrolysed marine collagen food supplement, also known as hydrolysate.

Good for joints

Collagen, which is naturally present in our bodies, is good for healthy joints, bones, cartilage and tendons. Collagen depletion linked to natural ageing and various environmental factors (intense sports, inflammatory processes, etc.) accelerates the degeneration of cartilage in our joints and the loss of bone tissue density. This is particularly true of post-menopausal women, where collagen levels are estimated to fall by around 30%. This can lead to joint pain and even osteoarthritis.

Several scientific studies and clinical trials demonstrate the positive effects of collagen supplementation in alleviating joint pain, but to date, no claim has been proven on this subject.

Beautiful skin

Native collagen is responsible for the resilience, suppleness, firmness and density of our skin. Major constituents of the extracellular matrix, collagen fibres, form the support structure of our tissues. This extra-cellular matrix is also made up of elastin, proteoglycans, structural glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for proper hydration and lubrication.

Over time, the production of native collagen declines sharply. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, smoking, lack of sleep and diet rich in refined sugars accelerate the breakdown of collagen protein. This makes the renewal of collagen fibres slower. Collagen-degrading enzymes are secreted by our cells, particularly during inflammatory phases and under the effect of free radicals. The result? Signs of ageing appear, the skin becomes thinner, and wrinkles and fine lines are more visible.

Collagen supplements promote better skin and support our natural ageing processes. Once digested and assimilated in the body, low molecular weight marine collagen stimulates the mobility and spread of fibroblasts and their synthesis of collagen. The result is an increase in fibroblast density and collagen fibre density. Multiple clinical trials have shown an effect on skin elasticity and firmness after 2-3 months of treatment. Hydrolysed marine collagen in the form of peptides helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, leaving skin radiant and even complexion.

To find out more, read our full report on Collagen and the skin: everything you need to know.

A food supplement for athletes

As part of a sports nutrition programme, collagen supplements provide a significant source of protein. In fact, marine collagen hydrolysate is rich in proteins that help build lean muscle mass as part of regular, intensive sports activities.

To find out about all the benefits of marine collagen for people who do sports, visit our article Collagen, your bodybuilding go-to.

Aroma-Zone hydrolysed marine collagen comes from certified Friend of the Sea sustainable aquaculture and is made from 100% premium quality collagen peptides. These low molecular weight (2000 Da) collagen peptides are optimally bioavailable to the body. This neutral-tasting collagen powder is clinically proven to improve skin firmness and elasticity. This hydrolysed marine collagen food supplement is ideal for an anti-ageing skin care programme, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a radiant complexion. Rich in protein, it's also very beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders. Proteins help to increase muscle mass and maintain normal bone structure.

This collagen food supplement is easy to use every day in a drink or food.

Vegan Collagen Serum Concentrate 1.5%

For mature and sagging skin, this firming, anti-wrinkle and restructuring serum, concentrated with 1.5% Vegan Collagen provides a comprehensive anti-ageing solution. It targets multiple signs of ageing simultaneously, thanks to a biomimetic complex of peptides and amino acids with proven efficacy. With its low molecular weight, our Vegan Collagen penetrates the deepest layers of the epidermis to help repair and regenerate the skin.

Discover our 1.5% Vegan Collagen Serum Concentrate

Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid: Age-Defying Skincare

This combo of skincare food supplements is the ideal treatment for firming and plumping your skin from the inside out. Marine collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid work in combination to combat wrinkles and maintain the skin's elasticity and tone. For optimum effectiveness, we've chosen a premium-quality hydrolysed marine collagen with a neutral taste and low molecular weight, made in France and derived from sustainable aquaculture. It also contains a high-purity of hyaluronic acid obtained by biofermentation and no unnecessary additives.

Discover Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid: Age-Defying Skincare

Vegan Collagen Booster - 150 G - Food Supplement

100% vegan, this proven-effective food supplement is the best vegan alternative to marine collagen for good skin. Based on VeCollal® biomimetic technology, it is a combination of amino acids, reproducing the exact profile of our skin's type I collagen, with natural extracts of ginseng and Centella asiatica, and Vitamin C, to support our cells' natural collagen synthesis.

Discover our Vegan Collagen Booster - 150 G - Food Supplement

Plant Collagen Active Ingredient

A natural extract, this active ingredient is made up of glycoproteins with properties similar to those of the collagen naturally present in the dermis. Plant Collagen is ideal for softening, smoothing and protecting all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated and mature skin. Plant Collagen also has excellent thickening properties for hair and eyelashes.

Discover Plant Collagen Active Ingredient

My In & Out Collagen Combo

Treat your skin to an intense collagen boost with this "In & Out" global anti-ageing routine with enhanced firming effects. This combo simultaneously targets multiple signs of ageing to combat skin ageing. It redensifies the skin (1), helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness (2), and reduces the appearance of wrinkles (2). This routine is suitable for all skin types.

Discover My In & Out Collagen Combo